By: Travis Shoopman

 A Physical therapist is someone who assesses and treats patients who have problems with movement due to illness, injury, or physical disability.

 Perform physical exams to assess patients’ conditions  Design treatment plans to help patients achieve as much movement as possible  Treat patients using soft tissue massage, lasers, and other techniques  Teach exercises and stretches to patients  Monitor and document patients’ progress\

 Work for hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, athletic departments, community health centers, research centers, and rehab centers.  Some are self-employed  The work can be physically demanding  Most work 8-10 hours a day  Evening and weekend work is common

 $52,000 to $106,000 a year  The median is about $74,000 a year  Earnings depend on experience, location, and employer.

 At least a Masters degree to be a licensed PT in Illinois.  A license to practice physiotherapy  Licensed PTs must take continuing education classes and attend workshops to maintain their license.  Many PT programs require specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.  Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.

 Communication Skills  Enjoy helping people  Good with people  Work well with your hands

 Mathematics and Natural Sciences - 31 hours (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physiology, College Algebra, Trigonometry, or Calculus)  Behavioral Sciences - 6 hours (Psychology)  Humanities and Liberal Arts - 12 hours (English, Speech, Statistics)